What You Should Know About the HPV Vaccine

Young women have good reason to consider getting vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV). The vaccine protects against the two "high-risk" strains of HPV, which are associated with approximately 70% of cervical cancers. If you do get the HPV vaccine, be aware that it won’t protect against all cervical cancers, so you should still get regular pap tests, and HPV testing when recommended.
Why get the HPV vaccine?

Getting the HPV vaccine may reduce your risk of developing precancerous cells that could lead to cervical cancer. The vaccine protects against the two most common — but not all — high-risk HPV strains.1
Who should get the vaccine?

To be effective, the HPV vaccine must be given early. Ideally it should be given before you have become sexually active. Routine vaccination is recommended for all girls aged 11 and 12. The vaccine has been approved for girls and women between the ages of 9 and 26.
HPV vaccine limitations

Over 100 different human papillomavirus (HPV) strains have been identified. The HPV vaccine covers only 4 strains — 2 of which are associated with 70% of cervical cancers — so you should continue having regular pap tests, and HPV testing when recommended. 1 Together, the HPV vaccine along with regular screenings will make cervical cancer one of the most preventable types of cancer.

You should discuss your personal history and whether you are a candidate for the HPV vaccine with your doctor or nurse.

Gardasil – Cervical Cancer Vaccine in UAE

Monday, January 08, 2007 at 4:57:09 PM

The creation of Gardasil vaccine is a boon for the kith and kin of those people who are suffering from cervical cancer.

This vaccine is currently available in 33 countries all over the world and has been marketed by Merck Sharp & Dohme. This vaccine was formed by Professor Ian Frazer, Director of the University of Queensland’s Centre for Immunology and Cancer Research (CICR), Australia who in all likelihood could be strong contender for Nobel Prize.


In the middle East, UAE is the first country to obtain this vaccine after their Health Ministry approved the same. America, Australia and European Union have already approved and introduce this vaccine in their countries. In UAE, the average incidence of cervical cancer in 2005 has increased three fold from that in 1998.

Human Papilloma Virus causes this condition and over 2.3 million women across the globe are claimed to suffer from this disease and around 800 women die everyday due to cervical cancer. This break through vaccine is sure to lift the spirits of medical fraternity all over the world.

Source-Medindia

WHAT CAUSES CANCER?

One of the most common questions that people ask is "What causes cancer? " Most peoples' knowledge about cancer comes from either friends' experiences or what they have heard on TV or read in the papers. In this section we will try to sort out the facts from the fiction.

THE FACTS

* As cancer is not one but many diseases, what causes one type of cancer doesn't necessarily cause another. For example, smoking is the main cause of lung cancer but not of breast cancer.
* Experts agree that most cancers are caused by our bodies, or parts of them, being exposed to certain substances over long periods of time. These cancer-causing substances are called carcinogens.
* For example, people who smoke have a lot more of certain types of cancers than non-smokers. There are also differences between countries. For example, in Japan the death rate from stomach cancer is about twice that for England and Wales, while the death rate from breast cancer is about six times lower.
* These community studies, together with laboratory and other scientific experiments have shown us the causes of at least some forms of cancer in humans. Smoking is by far the most important preventable cause of cancers.

VIRUSES: Viruses are tiny particles which can reproduce only inside living cells. They can spread between people in a number of ways – in the ar or in the blood, for instance.

Cancers where viruses are thought to play a role include cervical cancer, cancer of the liver and a skin cancer that can develop in people with AIDS. Cervical cancer is associated with a virus that can be transmitted through sexual intercourse. Cancer of the liver can develop in a person who has had an attack of hepatitis B – a virus which can be transmitted through sexual intercourse or using infected needles, e.g. illegal drug use.

Experts have estimated that more than 80% of cancers may be avoidable through changes that can be made in lifestyle and in the environment. In the following pages this booklet shows you the kind of changes that you can make reduce your risk of getting certain cancers.